Super winners!

Last Sunday, the highest jackpot in Philippine Lotto history has been won by two very lucky individuals. At a time like this, wherein the whole world is reeling from a financial crisis not seen since the 1920s, P173,918,452.60 would definitely cushion whatever blow it delivers. The Superlotto 6/49 jackpot, which hasn’t had a winner since late December of last year, has ballooned to a staggering amount of P347,836,903.20. Draw after draw, the pot grew bigger and with the absence of a winner, so did the number of those dreaming of a better life, or more appropriately, a way out.

One could easily locate a lotto outlet by following the long, snaking queue of millionaire wannabees! Not a regular player myself, as I still believe in working hard for a living, I have to admit that I did place a bet a couple of times, mostly at the behest of friends. It seems so simple. A P20 bet can catapult you into a life only seen at the movies! But what exactly are your chances of winning? Or an even more important question, are the draws legit?

The Philippine lottery places the odds at winning the 6/49 draw at 1:13,983,816. That’s one chance in over thirteen million! The old comparison that you have a higher chance of being struck by lightning than winning the lotto still stands true. I can think of other more remote incidents, but the lightning bit is a fine comparison. But then, one will be quick to rebut that people do win these lotteries, and I for a fact have interviewed such a winner. Oh yes this person lived it up, bought the things he or she always wanted, lent money to friends, placed money into bad investments – the usual things. In the end, after a little over a year, nothing was left. Truly, the first thing a lotto winner loses, is his mind!

For these two lucky individuals, it would be best to heed the advice of so many who have suddenly had fortunes and lost. First and foremost, is to let the reality of winning sink in and settle down. I can understand the impulse to go out and splurge. But just like in a heated argument, it is best to step back and simmer down. Second, if possible, do not broadcast your fortune! There are so many good reasons why winners are not named in the Philippines, the only country in the world that practices this policy. Reasons for security and cultural purposes. You only need to visit Manny Pacquiao’s house whenever he wins a match to see why. Third, give some of it back. There are people in need. Deserving people and not those who just remember your name all of a sudden. These can be done anonymously, and will be noticed by the One that matters. Lastly, understand that it is not a bottomless pit you can dip into forever. Even the wealthiest persons in the world continue to make money. If you can do this, then you are truly fortunate.

As for the legitimacy of the draws, we can only assume that they are since all draws are televised and witnessed by several people. The balls are inspected and weighed to make sure they are all of the same weight. The crystal chamber is transparent and as soon as the balls fall into the chamber, the draw itself is all automated. But I do have a question. How sure are we that all the balls still have air in them, since none are shown bouncing normally? Hmmmmm.